Well Water in Kendall County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Kendall County contains iron, sulfate, chloride, fluoride, manganese, nitrate, and PFOS and related chemicals. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, meaning well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.

These contaminants come from multiple sources. Iron and manganese leach naturally from the rock layers in the Edwards-Trinity aquifer system. Sulfate also occurs naturally in the bedrock. Chloride, nitrate, and PFOS enter groundwater through human activity--septic systems, fertilizers, livestock operations, and industrial use--and persist in the local aquifer where they move slowly through the rock and sand.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium dissolving from the limestone and rock below. The Edwards-Trinity aquifer system naturally produces hard water as rain and snow percolate through mineral-rich layers underground. Very hard water is the norm across most wells in this county.

Wells in Kendall County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Nitrate, chloride, and sulfate at high levels can damage your kidneys and digestive system over time. Fluoride in excess amounts can harm bone health and cause dental problems. Iron and manganese above standard levels weaken the immune system and affect how your body uses important nutrients. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS are industrial chemicals linked to cancer, liver damage, and thyroid disease.

The very hard water common in this county leaves white scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes and appliances. You'll notice staining from iron on sinks and laundry, and a metallic or rotten-egg taste and smell from sulfate and iron. This extreme hardness shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, costing you money in repairs and replacements.

We recommend getting your well tested right away with a comprehensive panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in county wells. Remember that your well is different from others nearby and may have higher or lower levels than what's common here. Testing is the only way to know exactly what's in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will tell you what you're actually dealing with. Treatment options like reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or activated carbon filters can address different contaminants depending on what testing reveals.